6 Gourmet Getaways That Say "I Love You"

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For some, it grows and ebbs like the tide, gradually taking hold until there's nothing else to do but embrace it. For others, it blows in like a storm, sending your head in a spin and taking the feet out from under you. It could be the brush of a hair, a knock at your door, or the speeding of a heartbeat. Love is different for all, but once it takes hold, your life will never be the same again.

This is the person who sends your heart in a flutter and puts the skip in your step. It's the person that makes you want to be a better you. So finding the right setting to show your gratitude is crucial.

When it comes to romance, food is almost always at the centre. The dream dining companion is someone to cherish, and two people that know how to woo with food as well as flattery are set for endless dining pleasure and years of happiness. But when you're lucky enough to find someone that makes you smile everyday, you may find you're wanting to spoil them with more than just dinner. Sure, eating out is lovely, but for telling someone you love them, you might want something a little more spectacular. That's why we suggest a weekend away at one of these beautifully charming and somewhat erotic establishments for endless eye-gazing, tender moments and of course, good food…

Mountain View, Whitfield, VIC

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In the small and very pretty town of Whitfield, located in the King River Valley north-east of Melbourne, sits the Mountain View Hotel. A boutique gastro-pub with magnificent well-established gardens, the Mountain View Hotel offers a unique culinary experience, putting a signature spin on fine dining.

Wine is the main produce of Whitfield, and for a small town, it's bulging with gourmet foods, apples and berries. This is reflected in the hotel's exciting menu created by Executive Chef Ben Bergmann, with its creative bites such as black blue swimmer crab lasagne with coriander chilli, pesto, orange, smoked capsicum and mascarpone.

Ocean View Estates, Ocean View, QLD

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Situated 45 minutes from Brisbane, the multi award-winning Ocean View Estates sits in the hills of Mt Mee. The one or two bedroom cottages are modern and crisply furnished, and each overlook the magnificent lake and vineyards. Take a walk among the vines or drive the short drive to the restaurant and you'll find even more amazing views and an inspiring modern Australian menu. In summer you can enjoy the cool breezes from the verandah and in winter you can cuddle up and be warmed by the glow of the large open fire. You can also visit Dayboro-Mt Mee, a quaint little village that offers stunning vistas, bushwalks with waterfalls and old sawmill remnants.

Oakdene Vineyard, Wallington, VIC

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Oakdene Vineyard is the ideal romantic getaway, set on 230 acres of lush coastal farmland on the Bellarine Peninsula near Ocean Grove and Geelong. The original 1920s homestead has been beautifully restored and boasts three uniquely themed accommodation rooms. Mini gourmet hampers are even included with each booking.

Onsite, you'll also find the Oakdene Vineyard Restaurant, an award-winning dining room known for its seasonal, local and regional produce. Executive Chef and Manager Marty Chichester handles the menu with flawless execution and presentation, and a number of dining options are available.

Away from the vineyard, you can cruise along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, take a ride on the Bellarine Railway, or visit the Fort Queenscliff Museum.

Clarion Hotel City Park Grand, Launceston, TAS

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The Clarion Hotel City Park Grand offers luxury boutique accommodation in the heart of historic Launceston, a vibrant hub for wood, wine, culture and nature. Elegant and sophisticated, the rooms are spacious and well appointed, and Larceny's Restaurant is one of Launceston's finest. Offering breakfast and dinner, Larceny's uses the finest Tasmanian produce in its European-inspired menu and has one of the best-stocked wine cellars in the state.

Adjacent to the beautiful City Park, which features Japanese Macaque monkeys, gardens brimming with colour, and plenty of picturesque park benches, we recommend taking a pre-dinner stroll to whet your appetite.

Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville, QLD

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If waking up to the sound of Kookaburras and dining on dishes such as kangaroo tail, native berries, buffalo curd and roasted watermelon jus sounds like your kind of weekend away, then a visit to Montville's Spicers Clovelly Estate is a must. From the moment you pass between the grand figs, shaded jacarandas and groves of magnolias and gardenias to the moment you set eyes on the stunning French provincial architecture, you'll feel like you're stepping into the most romantic movie ever. By the time you reach the estate's two-hatted restaurant, The Long Apron, you'll be lost in the magic of Montville and everything this scenic estate has to offer.

The Long Apron offers a unique taste of Europe in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Head chef Cameron Matthews' menu has been likened to a night at the theatre, with multiple acts of surprising flavour combinations and presentations to make your jaw drop. Combining breathtaking scenery, subtle elegance, friendly staff and award-winning food, Clovelly Estate is a weekend away you will never forget.

Jonah's, Whale Beach, NSW

Jonahs - Good Food Gift Card

Jonah's is one of Australia's most spectacular ocean retreats, set overlooking Sydney's picturesque Whale Beach. It's the perfect location to escape, relax and indulge, and is renowned for its luxury, privacy, comfort and sensational restaurant.

Jonah's eleven Ocean Retreat rooms are stylishly appointed, and Jonah's restaurant offers contemporary Australian cuisine by Executive Chef Logan Campbell. Taking in breathtaking views from the spectacular outdoor terrace, you'll be able to enjoy dishes such as Jonah's 'Fruits de Mer' for two before retreating to your room complete with king-size bed and spa bath.

Why not opt for the ultimate package with their Gourmet Getaway?

The perfect Valentine's Day gift

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, it's the perfect time to book a special getaway with your loved one. If you'd like to offer your loved one the choice of where to go, why notget them a Good Food Gift Card as a gift for Valentine's Day, and suggest some of these as places to spend it?

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Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour has been an entrepreneur for 35 years in the hospitality sector. French born, she has been an accomplished business owner and operator for a number of Sydney venues. Leading the industry with high profile institutions such as Lamrock Café Bondi, she has endless passion for the industry, and now has the pleasure of supporting restaurants to fill their tables with the new Good Food Gift Card program.